The Olympic stadium

I decided to spend a day in West Berlin taking in the Olympic stadium and Spandau.

 I actually had two bites at the Stadium. I arrived, found you could only do a guided tour and there wouldn't been one til early afternoon, so I booked it got back on the train and did a very quick spin around Spandau "while I waited". So I will cut this day's entry in two and start with stadium. So back I went to the station. Of course on match day (its the home of Hertha Berlin), you need a lot of space for all the trains to bring the 50,000+ crowds. On a sleepy Monday morning, less busy.

Then back to the stadium, still being "undressed" from the Champions League final, ie having the signage removed.

 It was of course built for the 1936 Olympics and therefore it is basically that simple, stripped down modernist version of classicism in style.I quite like it - a bit more attractive than everything else with fascism.

 But inside, well its a very impressive modern stadium. Note the blue athletics track - in ethe football club's colours. Its all very well thought through.

 Very 1930s statuary rings the stadium. These sturdy characters are meant to be relay runners.

This is one of the executive boxes. A mere 100,000 euros for a season.

 The changing rooms, recently vacated by Juventus in the Champions League Final.

 The Press area

 With the athletics warm-up track at the back of the Press Area. Gives you an idea of how big the Press area is.

Next to the athletics stadium is still the original Olympic swimming pool. Looking a little tired now

 

But still very much in use.